Armidale Regional Council is warning residents to prepare for the possible introduction of Level 1 water restrictions as ongoing hot and dry conditions begin to impact local water storages.
Armidale Regional Council said prolonged dry weather, combined with high temperatures, has led to declining dam levels and increased pressure on water supplies.
Recent data shows Armidale recorded no rainfall in the 24 hours to 9am on 4 February 2026, with just 11.4 millimetres received for the month so far, well below the February average. Hot conditions have also contributed to higher evaporation rates and reduced inflows into local catchments.
“These warm, dry conditions increase evaporation rates and reduce catchment inflows, causing overall dam levels to trend downward,” a Council spokesperson said. “At the same time, increased water consumption places additional strain on already declining dam levels.”
While major storages such as Malpas Dam remain relatively high following earlier wet periods, Council said they are no longer receiving sufficient replenishment as the region moves through late summer.
“Without rainfall, continued drawdown is expected,” the spokesperson said.
Under Council’s Water Restrictions Framework, Level 1 restrictions are triggered when overall storage levels fall to 90 per cent. These early-stage restrictions focus on moderate water conservation measures, including limited garden watering hours, restrictions on sprinkler use, and rules prohibiting outdoor watering during the heat of the day to reduce evaporation.
“These early restrictions aim to reduce demand and slow the drawdown of storages so the community can avoid the need for more severe restriction levels later,” the spokesperson said.
Council said the situation in Armidale reflects broader trends across New South Wales, with WaterNSW reporting statewide dam storage averages are trending downward following a dry start to 2026.
Local conditions have been compounded by frequent hot days, with temperatures reaching 36.4 degrees on 26 January, further influencing evaporation and water loss.
Council said it is continuing to closely monitor Malpas and Guyra storages and emphasised that community cooperation will be essential to maintaining long-term supply stability.
Residents are being encouraged to reduce outdoor watering, check for household leaks, use water-efficient appliances, and stay up to date with Council advice as conditions change.
“As we prepare for the possibility of water restrictions, it’s a great time for residents to take advantage of Council’s water conservation initiatives, like the rainwater tank rebates,” the spokesperson said.
Council has also instigated soil rehydration workshops, field days, and bootcamps for landholders from 19 February through to May, in partnership with Landcare, aimed at improving soil moisture retention and reducing reliance on town water during dry conditions. More information is available here.
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